Easy Cannoli Poke Cake – A Delectable Combination of Creamy Cannoli Flavors and Moist Cake

This Easy Cannoli Poke Cake is everything you love about classic cannoli but in cake form! Imagine a light, fluffy white cake infused with sweetened condensed milk and topped with a creamy, luscious ricotta and mascarpone cheese frosting. Sprinkle on mini chocolate chips for the perfect finishing touch, and you’ve got a dessert that’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion!

Scroll to the bottom for the recipe!

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The Inspiration Behind Cannoli Poke Cake

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of eating a cannoli, you know how irresistible that creamy ricotta filling can be. This poke cake takes the essence of cannoli and transforms it into a decadent, easy-to-make dessert. By combining the richness of ricotta and mascarpone with a moist white cake, you get the best of both worlds—an indulgent dessert that’s not too heavy but still satisfies that sweet craving. The poke cake method ensures that every bite is infused with the sweetened condensed milk, making the cake extra moist and flavorful.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Easy Cannoli Poke Cake

This cake is so simple to make, yet it delivers on flavor in a big way. The combination of ricotta, mascarpone, and powdered sugar creates a velvety smooth frosting that perfectly complements the tender cake. The mini chocolate chips and dusting of powdered sugar give the cake that authentic cannoli touch, making it feel like you’re biting into a giant, fluffy cannoli! Plus, since it’s a poke cake, you don’t have to worry about intricate layers—just poke, pour, frost, and enjoy!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 12 Servings):

• Calories: 390 kcal
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Protein: 7g
• Sodium: 280mg
• Sugar: 30g

This cake is a rich treat perfect for special occasions, celebrations, or just a sweet weekend indulgence!

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Cannoli Poke Cake is the perfect dessert to serve at a party or family gathering. Pair it with a cup of espresso or cappuccino for a true Italian dessert experience! You can also serve it alongside fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries to cut through the richness of the cream. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, drizzle a bit of chocolate or caramel sauce over each slice before serving!

Storage and Reheating Tips

This cake needs to be stored in the refrigerator due to the ricotta and mascarpone frosting. Cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container, and it will stay fresh for up to 4 days. Since this is a chilled dessert, there’s no need to reheat it—just serve it cold for the best texture and flavor. If you’d like to freeze the cake, you can do so without the frosting. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and frost before serving.

Fun Fact: The History of Cannoli

Cannoli originated in Sicily, Italy, and have been enjoyed for centuries as a staple dessert. Traditionally, they are fried pastry tubes filled with a creamy ricotta-based filling, often flavored with orange or cinnamon and topped with chocolate chips or candied fruit. This poke cake version is a fun, modern twist on the classic dessert, capturing the flavors of cannoli without the need for frying or special pastry tools.

Cooking Tips

• Strain the Ricotta: Be sure to strain the ricotta cheese before using it in the frosting to remove any excess moisture. This will ensure a thick, creamy texture that holds up well on the cake.
• Don’t Skip the Refrigeration: Allowing the cake to chill after pouring the sweetened condensed milk and after adding the frosting is essential for letting all the flavors meld and the cake to fully set.
• Garnish Just Before Serving: If you’re adding a dusting of powdered sugar as a garnish, do so just before serving to keep it looking fresh and beautiful.

Optional Variations

• Chocolate Cannoli Cake: Add cocoa powder to the cake batter or the frosting for a chocolatey twist on this classic dessert.
• Citrus Zest: For an extra flavor boost, add orange or lemon zest to the frosting for a hint of brightness that complements the rich filling.
• Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pistachios or almonds on top for a crunchy, nutty contrast to the creamy frosting and soft cake.

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Easy Cannoli Poke Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 Box White Cake Mix (Plus ingredients called for on the box)
• 1 Can Sweetened Condensed Milk (14 ounces, divided)
• 1 ½ cups Ricotta Cheese (strained)
• 1 ½ cups Mascarpone Cheese
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
• 1 cup Powdered Sugar
• ½ teaspoon Cinnamon
• 1 cup Mini Chocolate Chips
• Additional Powdered Sugar (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cake: Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. Bake the white cake according to the directions on the box. Allow the cake to cool completely.
2. Poke Holes in the Cake: Once the cake has cooled, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the top of the cake.
3. Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Set aside ½ cup of the sweetened condensed milk. Pour the remaining sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top of the cake, allowing it to soak into the holes. Cover the cake and refrigerate for about 1 hour, or until the milk is fully absorbed.
4. Make the Frosting: In a large bowl, combine the strained ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Beat with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Slowly add the powdered sugar, mixing until fully incorporated. Stir in the reserved ½ cup sweetened condensed milk.
5. Frost the Cake: Spread the frosting evenly over the cake.
6. Add the Toppings: Sprinkle the mini chocolate chips over the top of the frosted cake. For an extra decorative touch, dust with additional powdered sugar if desired.
7. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cake for 2-3 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the frosting to set. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Cannoli Poke Cake brings the delicious flavors of a classic cannoli in a fun and simple dessert. With its moist, sweetened cake and rich ricotta-mascarpone frosting, every bite is a perfect balance of creamy and decadent. Whether you’re making this for a party or just want to indulge in a special treat, it’s sure to be a hit with anyone who loves Italian desserts!